The theme for the campaign to raise $500,000 over the net two years, What’s New Now, encapsulates the concept of transformation at Brandywine to meet current challenges and anticipated changes in the cultural environment over the next decade. The campaign is targeted for completion as part of the celebration of Brandywine’s 40th anniversary in 2012. Anticipated results include: complete restoration of the historic firehouse façade, renovations to convert the main exhibition building into a multipurpose visual and media arts presentation space, expanded gift shop and new ground floor café.

In order to address capacity and sustainability, Brandywine is on a path of transformation. While taking inventory of fixed assets (facilities, equipment) and the need to restore and upgrade parts of the physical plant, leadership saw an opportunity to better prepare for the changing dynamic in art practice and presentation. Artists today are very diverse in the disciplines they practice and their artwork often is presented across multiple formats ― 2D, 3D, digital, and video. In order to accommodate these new trends, continue to attract diverse artists and audiences, and maintain sustainable levels of support, the following initiatives are now in place:

•    East facade restoration and relocating the main entrance to the firehouse along the north wall and landscaping the adjacent plaza for outdoor concerts and public programming. A new glass entrance opening onto the landscaped plaza will provide the type of  visibility and transparency prevented by historic commission guidelines controlling the east facade.

•    Upgrading firehouse facilities with new digital media, an expanded gift shop and new café. Thus increasing and enriching the visitor experience.

•    Expanding the high school and college level internship programs to include printmaking, video documentation and film production. Thus increasing exposure to career paths and preparation.

•    Develop projects which utilize the talents of Apogee members to produce educational programs and mentoring opportunities for youth

•    Identify institutional partners –locally and nationally– to increase programming and assessment capacity.

•    Enlist young professionals to staff and service on the Board and strengthen future leadership capacity.